(The Center Square) – Justice Anita Earls, one of two Democrats on the seven-member North Carolina Supreme Court, said Tuesday she will battle through a breast cancer diagnosis and continue serving her eight-year term.
Earls, in a video message encouraging awareness and a proactive approach to health, also said she’ll continue her reelection campaign. The Durham resident is challenged on Nov. 3 by Republican Sarah Stevens of Mount Airy, a state representative for District 90 representing Surry and Wilkes counties.
“I had surgery over the holidays and will continue a course of treatment,” Earls said of the treatable disease impacting 1 of 8 women. “I’ll be honest, a diagnosis like this requires some serious attention. But if you know me, you know I don’t back down from a tough fight.”
Earls said other state politicians have overcome the same challenge.
“I am fortunate that this disease was discovered so early during a routine mammogram,” she said. “It is in part due to early detection that my prognosis is so positive. I know it can be easy to put off doctor’s appointments, but I encourage every woman watching this to get regularly screened for breast cancer.”
She said her ability to serve will not be impacted.
The state Supreme Court race between Earls and Stevens is pivotal to shape the 2028 ballot. Republicans are in five of seven seats, and the ballot in two years will have the chief justice seat and seats 2 and 4. Occupying those spots, respectively, are Republicans Paul Newby, Phil Berger Jr. and Tamara Barringer.
This means if Stevens prevails, Democrats would need to sweep 2028 to gain a 4-3 majority. Justice Allison Riggs, winner 184 days after Election Day in 2024, is the other Democrat on the bench.
